Cruises from Marseille France 2022-2023

Table Of Content

• Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
• Culinary-Focused Cruises for Foodies in Asia: Satisfy Your Taste Buds on the High Seas
• MSC Cruises opens sales for winter 2024-2025 season
• Opening Hours and Holidays:
• What to do in Marseille cruise port
• Public transport
• Cruise Port of Marseille 12 Best Things To Do in Marseille, France
• Parking at the port of Marseille

Transfers are then available by taxi or via your shipping company to the boarding terminal. Please note, however, that there is no direct link between the airport or train station and the port. This cruise ship terminal is also known as MPCC (Marseille Provence Cruise Center) or Môle Léon Gourret piers. MPCT is located in the industrial zone northwest of the Vieux-Port de Marseille, approximately 8 km/5 miles (a 20-minute drive) from the city center. La Joliette cruise port is in the 2nd arrondissement of Marseille close to Vieux Port and 30 minutes’ walk, or a short taxi or tram ride (€1,70) from Saint-Charles station. It is for small and medium size ships, usually departing for Corsica, Sardinia, Tunisia and Morocco.

Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news

This section applies to passengers joining a ship in Marseille, "en tête de ligne", or "turnaround", as the industry calls these cruises. Most of the larger cruise vessels dock at the piers located on the jetty to the left of the map. It's very close to the city centre but has relatively limited capacity. The islands are home to endemic flora and fauna and boast a rich historic heritage with fortresses, ramparts, beautiful beaches, hidden coves, and a variety of restaurants and shops for tourists.

Culinary-Focused Cruises for Foodies in Asia: Satisfy Your Taste Buds on the High Seas

Located in the 7th arrondissement of Marseille, 2.5 km/1.5 miles (a 30-minute walk) southwest of the Vieux Port, Vallon des Auffes is a small Provençal fishing village and a fishermen’s paradise. The Old Port of Marseille is located at the bottom of the famous Canebière, the main shopping street of Marseille. Guarded by two massive forts (Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean), the iconic Old Port is the oldest part of the city and the place where the history of Marseille began. Vibrant, colorful and bustling with people, the Old Port has been the beating heart of the city for centuries and is nowadays a symbol of Marseille.

MSC Cruises opens sales for winter 2024-2025 season

Old Port is also one of the main places to eat in Marseille, so make sure you try out delicious local seafood specialties. An automatic ticket dispenser is available at the bus stop at Gate 4 of the port. In the port, keep an eye out for the notice boards, they will tell you which terminal the ship you are boarding is at. The Grand Port Maritime de Marseille has set up a free shuttle that runs every day that there are ships calling. The list of French Riviera (Cote d'Azur) ports also includes Antibes, Bandol, Cannes, Cassis, Sanary-sur-Mer, St Raphael, St Tropez, Toulon, Villefranche-sur-Mer (Nice) and Monte Carlo (Monaco). Solo travelers looking to book European cruises have a range of options when it comes to cabin accommodations.

Vieux Port is a natural harbor waterway and is currently the city's most popular (mainly pedestrian) area. Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.

It is now inactive; nonetheless, the 60-foot high, white limestone cylindrical turret looks impressive against the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Located on the south coast of France, it has been a hub of immigration and trade since 600 B.C. Nowadays, it attracts visitors as the gateway to Provence, with stunning scenery and plenty to see and do. Cruise passengers disembarking at the Joliette (J4) Terminal are in luck as they will be close to several bus routes and a short walk from the Joliette metro and tram stops. The Frioul Islands (Îles du Frioul) are a French archipelago located within the protected area of the Calanques National Park, about 4 km/2 miles off the coast of Marseille. Frioul archipelago is made up of four scenic islands including Pomègue, Ratonneau, Tiboulen, and If, where the legendary Château d’If is located.

Most cruise guests opt to explore the charming Old Port (Le Vieux Port). As a vibrant harbour and meeting place for many of Marseille’s residents and visitors, it has an array of cafes and seafood restaurants, where you can sample the region’s infamous bouillabaisse. There are also boutiques and traditional fish markets selling the freshest produce.

Cruise Port of Marseille 12 Best Things To Do in Marseille, France

From savory seafood dishes to delightful Mediterranean-inspired fare, the city's cuisine reflects its vibrant culture and history. Whether exploring local markets or dining in charming bistros, Marseille offers a culinary adventure that is sure to satisfy the most discerning tastes. Closer to the port, visit the Camargue, a natural region located south of Arles, famous for its pink flamingos, white horses, and black bulls. It's also home to a vast saltwater lagoon - Etang de Vaccarès - a haven for birdwatchers. Aix-en-Provence is a university city and the birthplace of the post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne.

Departures occur from Vieux Port's quai de Belges, now officially re-named quai de la Fraternité. The Tourist Information Office is at 4 La Canebière and at the train station Gare St-Charles. In the end, the Marseille Cruise Port serves as a testament to the city's enduring appeal and its capacity to blend the old with the new. It's a destination that leaves a lasting impression, compelling you to return and explore even more. So, as you bid adieu to this enchanting city, remember, Marseille will always be waiting to welcome you back, with its arms wide open, for another memorable voyage. Venture out of the city and into nature with a visit to the Calanques National Park.

Trains on this line are infrequent, so check your timings carefully. Click here to read about the Blue Coast Line, with a link to the current train timetable, and here for our full guide to Marseille's public transport system. The newer Marseille-Provence Cruise Terminal (MPCT), with more piers and terminals, is about 1600 metres / 1 mile further on, at the far end of the jetty. The cruise terminals in Marseille are located in two different areas.

The stop name is “Terminal Croisières”It takes between  600 m and 2,5 km when getting off the bus to reach the boarding platform.More information on public transport in Marseille.This train only runs on cruise days. Outside the port gate, a free shuttle to the city runs every 20 minutes. As the sun sets, Marseille springs to life with an exciting and vibrant nightlife. The city centre is abuzz with chic cocktail bars, traditional bistros, and dance clubs.

Joliette cruise port also serves ferries to Corsica, Sardinia and North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco). Many major cruise liners offer shuttle transfers from the airport or train station to the Marseille France cruise port. You can check with your cruise company if the service is available and book tickets in advance. Alternatively, a private transfer can cost around €70 for up to 4 people.

Shore excursions are available and usually cover both these locations, or you can opt to travel independently. Taking a 20-minute ferry ride to Château d’If is a popular choice for many visitors. This intriguing island was uninhabited until the 16th century when a fort was built under the instruction of François I. It then went on to become a prison and holds fascinating stories of the prisoners held there. It's here, in the Panier district in the centre of Marseille, that the history of the city begins and the true spirit of the Cité Phocéenne can be found. Le Panier sits on a hillock in the centre of Marseille and takes on the feel of an authentic, lively Provencal village. The facades are colourful, the alleyways full of flowers and the walls popular with street artists.